Effectiveness of Recombinant DNA Human Interferon Alpha 2 in Advanced Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): N. Padmanabhan, F.R. Balkwill, J.G. Bodmer, R.D. Rubens
Primary Institution: ICRF Breast Cancer Unit, Guy's Hospital
Hypothesis
Is recombinant DNA human interferon alpha 2 effective in treating advanced breast cancer?
Conclusion
The study found that recombinant DNA human interferon alpha 2 did not achieve regressions in advanced breast cancer and was associated with significant toxicity.
Supporting Evidence
- All patients had received prior endocrine and/or cytotoxic therapy.
- Treatment was associated with significant toxicity, especially in the high-dose group.
- Serum IFN activity was low or undetectable in patients on the low-dose schedule.
Takeaway
Doctors tested a new treatment for breast cancer, but it didn't help the patients get better and made them feel sick.
Methodology
Patients with advanced breast cancer were randomized into two treatment schedules receiving different doses of interferon alpha 2.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and all patients had received prior treatments, which may have affected the results.
Participant Demographics
All participants were female patients with advanced breast cancer refractory to prior treatments.
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